Analysis

Konstantin von EggertRussian journalist

Mr Khodorkovsky, a practising Christian who has repeatedly spoken of social justice in his articles and interviews from jail, could become a potent living symbol of atonement for the real and perceived injustices of the 1990s privatisation era.

This is a powerful message in a country of disillusioned idealists, which Russia has become under Mr Putin.

With thoughtful statements, articles and interviews, the ex-tycoon presents an image of a man who has a comprehensive vision for the future of Russia based on the rule of law and trust in people's common sense.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "happy" that Mr Khodorkovsky had been freed.

'Personal request'

Mr Khodorkovsky left the penal colony where he was being held, in the Karelia region of north-western Russia, early on Friday afternoon.

Russia's Federal Penal Service, quoted by news agency Interfax, said: "In the course of his release, Khodorkovsky asked for a passport for foreign travel. His request was met.

"Once he was released from prison, he left for Germany. We stress that the flight took place at his request and his exit documents were processed at his personal request."

The German foreign ministry later confirmed that Mr Khodorkovsky had landed at Schoenefeld airport in Berlin from St Petersburg, after the German embassy in Moscow had facilitated his departure from Russia.

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The BBC's Oleg Boldyrev says some analysts believe Mr Khodorkovsky's release is a "sign of nervousness" in Moscow ahead of the Winter Olympics

The Associated Press (AP) quoted a spokesperson for the energy consulting firm, OBO Bettermann, as saying that former German foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher had asked the company to provide a plane.

Mr Khodorkovsky is believed to have been taken to Berlin's Adlon Hotel.

Penal Colony 7 at the village of Segezha, near the Finnish border, where Mr Khodorkovsky was held

Mr Putin said he had signed the pardon on "the principles of humanity"

Media gathered outside the Adlon hotel in Berlin

"I would like to thank everyone who has been following the Yukos case all these years for the support you provided to me, my family and all those who were unjustly convicted and continue to be persecuted.

"I am constantly thinking of those who continue to remain imprisoned."

He also thanked Hans-Dietrich Genscher "for his personal involvement in my fate".

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